On Tuesday, June 3, 2014, the 2014 Los Angeles Community Colleges District Black Graduation Celebration took place at Cougar Field at Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC). This year’s theme was “A Cultural Celebration of Academic Achievement.”

The celebration began with the Dembrehrah West African Drum Ensemble leading the processional to Cougar Field. Rhodesia Jackson, an LASC student, gave the libation. Linda Cole, chaplain of the Los Angeles Community Colleges District Black Faculty and Staff Association (LACCD BFSA) gave the opening prayer. Actress, performer, director, writer and activist, T’Keyah Crystal Keymah from In Living Color and That’s So Raven, led the Negro National Anthem.

Dr. Lawrence Bradford, LASC Vice President of Academic Affairs, spoke about the purpose of the Black Graduation Celebration. There were words from LACCD Trustee, Mike Eng and ASO president and future LACCD student trustee, LaMont Jackson. Dr. Ayesha Randall from Los Angeles Trade-Technical College introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Corliss Bennett-McBride, the director of the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs at University of Southern California, who gave a spirited talk encouraging graduates to prepare for the next chapter of their lives.Continue reading →

On May 31, 2012, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College hosted the 2nd Annual Black Graduation Celebration. Over 500 attendees came out to LACCD’s 2nd Annual Black Graduation Celebration held this year at LA Trade Tech College. The Black Graduation Ceremony is a pre-commencement celebration to honor African American students who through unyielding determination have successfully completed their Associate’s degree from a college within the Los Angeles Community Colleges District. The event recognizes their accomplishment and provides an opportunity for graduates to honor significant people who have helped them achieve their goal. Students are honored together in one setting, and their families also get the opportunity to celebrate their hard work and dedication. The ceremony reinforces the bonds of scholarship and extends the sense of community. The intimate ceremony is representative of African and African American culture and begins with a scriptural reading, libation ceremony, the singing of the Black National Anthem, and culminates with a Kente Stole drapings and certificate presentations.

This year, the Black Graduation Ceremony was held at Trade, but it was a district-wide gathering that encouraged the celebration of the black graduates throughout all campuses. Dr. Yasmin Delahoussaye, Vice Chancellor for Educational Programs and Institutional Effectiveness represented the district as graduating students were recognized and draped with kente stolls. Administrators, faculty, staff, and students were on hand to make the day even more special. LA Trade Tech counselor Deborah Campbell was honored for her commitment to the LATTC Black Student Union and the 2012 Black Graduation, as well as her daily work on behalf of students. The LACCD Black Faculty & Staff Association gave over $1,000 to selected graduates. Finally, everyone exited to the grassy area near Magnolia Hall for great food, fellowship, and jazz. For more photos from this event, visit this link.